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What are the income requirements for Non-Habitual Resident status in Portugal?

To qualify for Non-Habitual Resident (RNH) status in Portugal, specific income requirements must be met. These criteria include having not been a tax resident in Portugal for the preceding five years and acquiring residency before December 31, 2023, to enjoy the tax benefits for the full ten years. Eligible income types for RNH include earnings from higher education roles, positions in scientific research, and other qualified labour within investment sectors. Understanding these requirements is crucial for anyone looking to invest and live in Portugal, particularly given the looming changes outlined in the State Budget Law Proposal for 2024. Keeping track of legislative developments can also help potential residents optimise their tax situation. Our law firm is committed to navigating these complexities with you, ensuring your application process is smooth and efficient. Benefits include substantial tax exemptions, reducing your tax liabilities while enjoying life in a picturesque location like Portugal. Don’t delay—discover whether you qualify today by reaching out to our knowledgeable team!

Tuesday, 28 November 2023 - Fiscal
What are the income requirements for Non-Habitual Resident status in Portugal?

Furthermore, anyone who meets the requirements for RNH and registers as a tax resident in Portugal by December 31, 2023, can still request RNH status and enjoy its benefits during the 10-year period. Additionally, POE 2024 proposes a new tax incentive for those who become tax residents from 2024 onwards, but only for the area of scientific research and innovation.

To be able to benefit from this regime, taxpayers must meet the following cumulative conditions:

 a) Have not been a resident in Portugal, for tax purposes, during the last five years;

 b) Has acquired tax residence in Portugal; and 

c) Earn income that falls into one of the following categories: 

  • i) Higher education and scientific research teachers, including scientific employment in entities, structures and networks dedicated to the production, dissemination and transfer of knowledge, integrated into the national scientific and technological system;
  • ii) Qualified jobs within the scope of contractual benefits to productive investment, in accordance with chapter II of the Investment Tax Code;
  •  iii) Research and development jobs for personnel with minimum educational qualifications at level 8 of the National Qualifications Framework (doctorate), the costs of which are eligible for the purposes of tax incentives for research and business development (SIFIDE).

The OE Proposal for 2024 also foresees extending the already existing Return Program, so that it applies to taxpayers who become tax residents in Portugal up to 2026 and who have not been tax residents in our country in the last 5 years. The Program allows a 50% tax exemption on income from employment and self-employment up to 250,000 Euros per year during the first 5 years of residence.

We will continue to closely monitor parliamentary discussions and possible proposed changes to the current text of the OE Proposal for 2024.

 Martínez-Echevarría & Ferreira has a team of competent lawyers and professionals qualified to provide advice in several areas of law. For questions related to tax matters, do not hesitate to contact our department. We are at your disposal through the usual channels and contact platforms.

 

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